Review: Still Life, Theatre Royal Drury Lane Grand Saloon

BeforeBrief Encounter– scripted by Noël Coward and directed by David Lean – becamethequintessentially British romantic weepie in 1945, the same story was a one-act play calledStill Life(1936). One of ten short works comprising Coward'sTonight at 8.30cycle, it was originally performed by The Master and his best friend and leading lady Gertrude Lawrence as the serious piece sandwiched between two comedies. Julia's Theatre Musings is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Previously staged in the restaurant at the Mill at Sonning and aboard ship, Tam Williams's production now stops for a week at in the Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With its sparkling chandeliers, ornate ceilings and Edward Burne-Jones paintings in the anteroom, the space might be quite a lot more froufrou than Milford Junction station, but the idea of a cosy station tearoom with hot drinks for threepence and freshly baked pastries feels every bit as luxurious (and much more remote) in this age of soulless, horrendously overpriced rail travel. Prior to the performance, there's a generous afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and cakes served at tables for two (I had the pleasure of being seated with Steve of@thequeergb). The performance then takes place around the large central counter. The blocking isn't ideal, some of the lines are muffled and the musical interludes (performed by Seren Sandham-Davies as waitress Beryl) are rather bitty, but the whole experience makes for immersive theatre at its most genteel. Respectable doctor Alec and housewife Laura are brought together in the tearoom due to a piece of grit in Laura's eye and there's immediately a frisson (in the understated most way). When we see them again, they've already had several lunches and visits to the cinema, but nothing overtly 'romantic' has occurred. Stepping into Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard's sturdy brogues can't be easy, but the roles are beautifully played by Rachel Pickup and Alasdair Craig and don't feel like impersonation. The station staff knows everything that's going on and the Alec-and-Laura affair is merely a backdrop for their own banter and romantic entanglements. Myrtle (Elizabeth Elvin), who tries to be posh but whose accent erratically comes and goes, is the stationmaster in all but name. The combination of performance and tea in such beautiful surroundings makes for a luxurious entertainment and experience (especially on a Monday afternoon). Perhaps not something to indulge in too frequently (like the Bath buns baked by Beryl), but a treat to relish once in a while. Noël Coward's Still Life plays in the Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 12 September 2026 – more information and ticketshere.My ticket was provided by Kevin Wilson PR in exchange for an honest review. Subscribe now